In very readable style, the book examines the rise, the stability, and ultimately, the precipitous fall of the Midwest region of the US, which now confronts the realities of a global economy.

What will the future of the Midwest bring?  What actions can we take to make life better?  What can universities contribute?  (On the last question, see also this paper recently published by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs).

No matter where you live and work, I think you’d find this book worth reading.

It reminds us to pay careful attention to our place in the world, and to work together to make a smarter, brighter future.

In advance of this lecture I saw this blog post by Michelle Gallen.  In the fading afterglow of St. Patrick’s Day, I think it’s good for all Americans to consider the power – and the limits – of the Internet in (daily) border crossings.

If you’re interested in learning more about the past, present and future of Ireland, check out this MU Summer study abroad course.

On my recent trip to Thailand, my experience was focused on the Northeast of the country in Isan.  I sense that not many Westerners visit this region.  If so, it’s a real shame. 

I’m determined to learn more about the culture I found so appealing.  Thanks to Bonnie Brereton – a respected scholar in the region I met on my trip, I have a few books to add to my readings.

Buddhist Murals of Northeast Thailand: Reflections of the Isan Heartland

Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth-Century Thailand.

Child of the Northeast, by Kampoon Boontawee. translated by Susan Fulop Kepner. Editions Duang Kamol.

This was my first time to Isan — Northeast Thailand. Our hosts at KKU were most gracious.  I’ll never forget the food, the hospitality and the beauty of the culture.

I am ambivalent about the angle it takes. 

Here’s what I mean. 

Clearly, the most important element of the study abroad experience is learning to communicate across cultures.  Our advisors try to get this message across to students (and parents) from the time they are considering a program through “re-entry”.

On the other hand, I think the article draws on shaky evidence that international experience doesn’t impress employers.  For every survey that suggests that, we could find at least one that suggests the opposite.  I saw a study recently that says that 30% of US CEOs had studied abroad in college.  Of those, 2/3 instruct their staff to recruit people with study abroad experience.  

I am skeptical about that finding as well.  I think many professionals tend to oversell or over-promise what the study abroad experience can accomplish for a young person.

Bottom line – it is the cross-cultural element that’s key.  Study abroad is not the only way to experience that.  It is one important opportunity.  I believe what should distinguish study abroad from “backpacking across Europe” is the academic context to help students reflect on and appreciate their cross-cultural learning.

Alcohol can (literally and figuratively) numb the student’s sensitivity to the cross-cultural richness of their program, and significantly limit their academic performance as well.

Recently, via Inside Higher Education, I saw this article in the University of Washington News.  It provides research findings, and suggests strategies to address the issues.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010
1:30-3 p.m.
S203 Memorial Union

Presented by Ed Wehrli, Diplomat-in-Residence, University of Oklahoma

·         Learn about a career opportunity unlike any other.
·         Discover how you can have a global impact.
·         Show the world a side of America it has never seen.

Sponsored by the MU International Center

Thanks to the Columbia Missourian, you can read about it here.

The maps say a lot about life in the United States.